Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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314. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the location to which horses at a facility (details supplied) were transported; the conditions in which they were transported; for what purpose they were transported; if their safety and current location have been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26910/24]

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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322. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he authorised the transport of horses from the lands adjoining a company (details supplied); the number of horses; their current location; if they are still alive; if they have been slaughtered; if not, what is their fate; who moved the horses and in whose suitable care they were entrusted prior to and during transport; if each horse had a full veterinary check, especially given some might be ill or lame; if the transport was suitable for ill or lame animals; if each equine ID and microchip was cross-checked and recorded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27196/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 322 together.

The Deputy will appreciate that the matters referred to are the subject of an ongoing and active investigation by my Department and consequently I am limited in what I can say, however I can confirm that my Department is actively engaged on this matter and that if any non-compliance's with relevant legal animal welfare and traceability obligations occur they will be dealt with appropriately.

I can also assure you that where my officers become aware of welfare compromised animals they use their legislative powers to ensure they receive appropriate care and attention.

Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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315. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to publish the list of actions his Department took on foot of the many local complaints notified to it about the treatment of the horses in the lands around a facility (details supplied); and if no actions were taken, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26911/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government. The welfare of equines is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action, is undertaken, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.

Five complaints were received by my Department's animal welfare helpline in relation to animals at lands adjacent to the site in question between 2018 and 2023. These were one in 2018, one in 2019, two in 2021and one in 2023. In response to these reports, on each occasion a Veterinary Inspector went to the site, carried out an investigation, and engaged with the keeper of the horses to resolve the specific issues raised.